if you are just finishing up college, chances are at least one or a few people have suggested its normal to be nervous about the 'next step' after graduation. often colleges even have seminars for graduating students to deal with the "what now" feeling that comes from finishing up a program and graduating.It is common to feel "what now" after a few years of having a certain routine as a college student. graduating means losing that familiar place and routine of college life.
It can be helpful to know that feeling 'what now" is normal when we graduate from school. sometimes people minimize this because they say "oh this is normal, you'll get over it". when really you want more support than just a pat on the back sort of thing...
it took insight and courage for you to post how you feel about it. good for you!
starting a new job is nerve racking for me too. this program, the pages in the tool box about challenging anxious thoughts have been really useful for me to get a handle on managing anxiety about these "normal" events we all have to deal with (new jobs, new family members, new things).
Hi Kendra: When you are excited about a party or a happy event, birth, wedding, etc. your body goes through some of the same symptoms you are probably having right now re: the new job. We don't usually worry about those symptoms because we are happy, not fearful, and accept them easily. Can you think about the symptoms as ones for excitement about starting a new job - a place where you can have fun, and think about all the children you will meet and help and enjoy. Think about your training and how you are prepared for this job. You know you can do it. You are probably a very caring person, intelligent and able to handle different situations. Keep the faith, even people who don't live with anxiety issues feel some stress when they start a new job.
What can I say. It is no different than starting a new class. All things foreign cause anxiety. You got through it with school, you will get through it with work and I think you will enjoy it. Think positive. You will be productive. You will have money and you will have accomplishment, just like finishing school. And all the tools are here to do just that. A little anxiety is not a bad thing, it just means you are alive. The program will teach you how to stop it from becoming panic. It is this week is it not, let us know how it goes.
Remember that anxiety is manageable and with the right tools you can control it. Work on the program. It is proven to work. If you put the effort in you will not be disappointed. Starting work after school can be scary but it also can be an exciting time. Once you have the confidence to move forward you will be amazed by how much you can achieve.
Many members in the support group can testify that with proper support and information you can overcome.
I am starting a new job after finishing college and I am so worried. I am questioning everything, worrying about everything, having panic attacks to depression to anxiety and back again.
I am not sure I can do this but if I avoid it, then it will get worse.
